Singapore Airshow 2026: APAC countries explore fleet upgrade and expansion opportunities
Saab’s recent Gripen E/F contract success with Thailand could open more doors for further procurement from other APAC countries. (Photo: Saab)
Ahead of the Singapore Airshow 2026, opportunities for defence firms to upgrade or replace ageing aircraft remain strong, with tactical transport, combat aircraft and maritime patrol aircraft at the top of potential procurement lists.
Defence spending and procurement across Asian-Pacific (APAC) countries is on the rise, with defence budgets increased and armed forces consolidating and upgrading their aircraft to meet growing operational demands.
With an increasingly fraught evolving security landscape, epitomised by China and its ongoing efforts to strengthen its military – including the modernisation of its air combat capabilities – surrounding countries are sharply focused on improving and expanding their own.
Shephard Defence Insight estimates that the total value of the APAC defence aerospace market is around US$388 billion, with as-yet unawarded or selected programmes accounting for approximately $164 billion.
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe]()
Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe
Canada’s interest in negotiating a procurement of Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft signals its readiness to reduce its reliance on US defence technology as trade tensions with its North American neighbour mount.
-
![US Air Force CCA programme to achieve multiple milestones in the coming months]()
US Air Force CCA programme to achieve multiple milestones in the coming months
The US Air Force is preparing to select mission-autonomy software, fire a missile from the FQ-42 Vengeance and test both CCA designs alongside crewed fighters at 2026 Emerald Flag.
-
![Will the US Navy F/A-XX and the USAF F-47 compete for production capacities?]()
Will the US Navy F/A-XX and the USAF F-47 compete for production capacities?
The two sixth-generation fighter programmes could battle for engineering talent and production lines before deliveries begin, testing Boeing’s industrial expansion plans.
-
![September drone digest: attrition-tolerant aircraft pitched to replace the Reaper]()
September drone digest: attrition-tolerant aircraft pitched to replace the Reaper
The loss of many MQ-9 Reapers during the 2026 Iran War has underscored the risks of sending relatively expensive UAVs into contested airspace. In September, new contenders to replace the Reaper emerged, championing cheaper, modular aircraft designs for mass production and inevitable attrition.
